Friday 11th March
50th Annual Easter Jeep Safari concepts
700hp, manual and very green Jeep Wrangler?
700hp, manual and very green Jeep Wrangler? Happy Easter!
Now this looks a giggle
"We're delighted to share seven of the most capable and eye-catching concept Jeep vehicles we've ever created at this year's historic event" said Mike Manley (yes, that is his name), Head of Jeep Brand. Eye-catching is certainly one word!Our favourite is the Trailcat, and not just because of the green paint and 39-inch tyres. They contribute, of course, but the appeal is also in the 707hp Hellcat V8, six-speed manual and seats from a Viper. Jeep claims the Trailcat "leaves everything else in a cloud of dust." The wheelbase is 12 inches longer than a standard Wrangler and the windscreen chopped by two inches. Apparently, the design cues are "subtle" on the green paint, including Hellcat and Trailcat decals.
For those after a more traditional Wrangler experience, the little red Shortcut should be just the thing. It apparently "invokes the spirit of 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity". Power is from a V6 and the off-road tyres are only 35-inch here, but the 12-inch reduction in length should keep it agile off-road. And isn't it cute?!
'MURICA
Something a little more serious is available with the Crew Chief 715 concept, built "as a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles". So it looks pretty mean, the tyres are military spec and 40-inch in diameter, there's a compass inside and there are two winches. Which are presumably there for someone with a V8 to pull you out when the Pentastar V6 isn't up to the job...There are a couple of Renegade based concepts too, but they're arguably less exciting than the others on show. Having said that, the Commanche (the pick-up style one) is painted "Beige Against the Machine", and good wordplay will always go down well here. Don't fill up that five-foot bed too much though, as the Commanche is only powered by a diesel...
The second Renegade is the Commander, designed for "the ultimate off-road adventure". The catalogue of Jeep and Mopar performance parts has been raised, with a two-inch lift kit, 29.5-inch off-road tyres, off-road rock rails, a new exhaust, skid plates and auxiliary lights. Oh yes, and Mopar floor mats.
And for the retro fans
Finally, and perhaps most interestingly, is the Jeep FC 150. Originally built in 1960, this car has its original body panels but has been overhauled underneath. It now uses a modified Wrangler chassis with new wheels, axles and tyres. Power is now from a 4.0-litre straight-six and three-speed auto.So it would seems an appropriately OTT celebration for Jeep's anniversary. If any US PHers are out on the Safari, we would love to see some pictures!